The Psychological Impact on Children Soldiers
Throughout history and cultures, children have been extensively involved in military campaigns. The earliest mention of witch was before the Middle Ages during the age of antiquity. Today it is estimated that 300,000 children under the age of 18 are involved in more than 30 combat associated conflicts through out the world (Denov). They are used as combatants, messengers, porters, cooks and for forced sexual services. Some are abducted or forcibly recruited, others are driven to join by poverty, abuse and discrimination, or to seek revenge for violence enacted against them or their families. There is legislation in place that makes illegal any involvement of children under age 18 in hostilities, however it is still rampant throughout the world.
The use of Children in war is an epidemic that has plagued humanity since the earliest civilizations and has developed through time. In medieval times in Europe, young boys from about twelve years of age were used as military aids called squires, though their role in actual combat was supposed to be limited. In 1212, the
Estevez 2
Children’s Crusade rounded up thousands of children, with the notion that they will succeed in battle due to divine powers that will ensure their victory. In 1814,
Napoleon was faced with an invasion and recruited many teenagers for his armies aged between fourteen and seventeen. During the 1800’s and the age of sail, young boys formed part of the crew of British Royal Navy ships and responsible for many important tasks. Even during the Civil War a 15 year old received the Medal of Honor for his acts during the Civil War Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest day in American history.
People under the age of eighteen fought in world war one and world war two, even beside the fact it was illegal. They had age restrictions, but due to the patriotism, of the boys, and the conditions of England they accepted some and others passed by into the military. In Cambodia, during the Vietnam War, a
The use of Children in war is an epidemic that has plagued humanity since the earliest civilizations and has developed through time. In medieval times in Europe, young boys from about twelve years of age were used as military aids called squires, though their role in actual combat was supposed to be limited. In 1212, the
Estevez 2
Children’s Crusade rounded up thousands of children, with the notion that they will succeed in battle due to divine powers that will ensure their victory. In 1814,
Napoleon was faced with an invasion and recruited many teenagers for his armies aged between fourteen and seventeen. During the 1800’s and the age of sail, young boys formed part of the crew of British Royal Navy ships and responsible for many important tasks. Even during the Civil War a 15 year old received the Medal of Honor for his acts during the Civil War Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest day in American history.
People under the age of eighteen fought in world war one and world war two, even beside the fact it was illegal. They had age restrictions, but due to the patriotism, of the boys, and the conditions of England they accepted some and others passed by into the military. In Cambodia, during the Vietnam War, a